This module is a Level 5 core module for Human Geography programmes. It can also be taken as an option module for students on other fields provided they have successfully completed the Level 4 module Introduction to Human Geography.
The module aims to introduce students to, and develop their understanding of, the core concerns of contemporary social and cultural geography: its substantive concerns, theoretical perspectives, and methodological innovations. The module evaluates the role of space and place in the construction of social relations and cultural identities and how these are differentiated according to the social constructions of class, gender, race and ethnicity, age, sexuality, and disability. It aims to develop skills of critical social and cultural interpretation through students' engagement with how geography is central to the construction of social and cultural difference.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
The module explores the development of social geography as a sub-field of human geography, its key concepts and theories, and methodological approaches, through a range of academic concerns including class, gender, race and ethnicity, age, sexuality, and disability. A variety of local, national and international case studies are used to examine these substantive issues and to consider issues of social exclusion, inequality, and social justice. Current themes, debates, concepts, theories, and methodological approaches in cultural geography are examined through a series of spatial lenses that include landscapes, geographies of performance, material cultures, and the geographies of mobilities. In particular, these lenses are used to explore how different philosophies of knowledge relate to the formation of society and the intersections between society and unequal power relations.
Social and Cultural Geography is taught using a mixture of lectures, seminar discussions, interpretative group work, essay workshops (where principles will be explained and drafts reviewed), and revision classes. Lectures are designed to introduce students to key concepts and issues that are explored in further detail via seminars, group work and workshops. These smaller group discussions provide students with the opportunity to develop and consolidate their understanding whilst developing key verbal and written communication skills. Students are guided through a programme of directed reading from core texts and journals that form the basis of material drawn upon in lectures, seminars, essays and the module examination. This activity is essential to achieve the learning outcomes.
| Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching | 20 x 2 hour lectures 10 x 2 hour seminars 10 x 1 hour seminars 2 x 6 hour field work | 40 20 10 12 |
| Guided independent study | Student independent study | 218 |
| Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 | |
Summative assessment is through: 2 pieces of coursework worth 60% of the module (literature review 20% written report 40%), designed to assess student's understanding of the material covered in lectures and seminars; a 2 hour end of module examination worth 40% that requires students to answer one essay-style question and a number of short answer questions. On-going discussion with the module leader and module team will provide formative feedback and assist the student in the development of strategies for improvement and enhancement.
| Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
|---|---|
| Review and interpret the main philosophical traditions and cultural perspectives underpinning the geographical study of society and place. | Literature review, essay, written examination |
| Provide a critical assessment of module topics, connected to core debates in social and cultural geography, showing consistency of argument with adequate illustration from a range of sources. | Literature review, essay, written examination |
| Communicate and present geographical ideas, theories and principles. | Literature review, essay, written examination |
| Access, evaluate and present data from a range of sources. | Literature review, essay, written examination |
| Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Literature Review | Coursework | 20% |
| Essay | Coursework | 40% |
| Written examination (2 hours) | Written Examination | 40% |
| Total (to equal 100%) | 100% | |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major assessment category must be passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Anderson, J. (2009) Understanding Cultural Geography: Places & Traces. Routledge: London & New York
Pain, R. et al. (2001).Introducing Social Geographies. London: Arnold
Panelli, R. (2004) Social Geographies, London: Sage
Valentine, G. (2001). Social Geographies: Space and Society. London: Prentice Hall